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Biomedical subjects

E R Elkins

Publications and source records attributed to E R Elkins.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1982

Analytical methods used by industry for determining lead in processed foods.

Over the past 8 years, a number of food processors and can manufacturers have participated in repeated round-robin studies of lead methodology. During this period, 3 methods have been found to be comparable in a variety of foods: carbon rod atomic absorption, chelation-solvent extraction atomic absorption, and anodic stripping voltammetry. Each method is described and results are given from a number of round-robin studies. In general, the coefficient of variation at lead levels of 0.1-0.3 ppm is usually less than or equal to 20%.

Food Analysis↗
PubMed1979

Atomic absorption determination of tin in foods: collaborative study.

Samples of green beans, applesauce, and a fruit juice were fortified with tin at 3 levels. Collaborators were asked to digest the samples, using HNO3-H2SO4, add methanol to enhance the absorption signal, and aspirate directly, using a nitrous oxide-acetylene flame. Results were received from 8 laboratories including 4 from Europe. However, only 6 laboratories used the prescribed methodology. All results were considered acceptable. The method has been adopted as interim official first action.

Beverages↗
PubMed1978

Leak in evaporated milk by anodic stripping voltammetry and atomic absorption spectrophotometry: cooperative interlaboratory study.

The results of a cooperative study on the determination of lead in evaporated milk, using a double blind referee technique, are reported. This study was designed to determine the normal variability of methods currently used for lead analysis by canned food industry laboratories. Twenty-three laboratories participated in this study. Each laboratory was instructed to use atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AOAC 25.065), anodic stripping voltammetry, or carbon rod atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Overall, the results appear to be in close agreement with the spiking levels. The coefficient of variation for all laboratories was 36.0% at the 0.15 ppm lead level and 16.8% at the 0.40 ppm lead level.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

A simplified method for the gas-liquid chromatographic determination of methyl mercury in fish and shellfish.

A simple acetone wash of the fish sample which removes lipids and other organic materials replaces the cystein cleanup specified in other methods. Methyl mercury is freed by hydrochloric acid, extracted into benzene, and determined with a gas-liquid chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector. The method is quantitative for methyl mercury levels as low as 0.10 ppm in fish and shellfish. Ethyl mercury chloride may be used as an internal standard to detect unsuspected error or instrumental parameter variation.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Optimized Monier-Williams method for determination of sulfites in foods: collaborative study.

A collaborative study was conducted of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-optimized Monier-Williams method for determining sulfites in foods. Twenty-one industry and government laboratories participated in the study, which was jointly sponsored by the National Food Processors Association and FDA. Familiarization samples were shipped to each collaborator. Collaborators were permitted to proceed to the main study only after they demonstrated ability to perform the method to ensure that the study tested the performance of the method itself and not that of the individual laboratories. The study design involved 3 food matrixes (hominy, fruit juice, and protein [seafood]). Each matrix was prepared at 3 sulfite levels--the regulatory level, half the regulatory level, twice the regulatory level--and as a blank. All test samples were analyzed as blind duplicates, which gave each collaborator a total of 24 test portions. Collaborative recoveries gave a reproducibility (among-laboratories) coefficient of variation that ranged from 15.5 to 26.6% for sulfite determined as SO2 by weight in the 3 foods at the 10 ppm level. The optimized Monier-Williams method has been approved interim official first action to replace the AOAC modified Monier-Williams method, 20.123-20.125.

Food Analysis↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Effect of commercial processing on pesticide residues in selected fruits and vegetables.

Commercial food processing operations such as washing, blanching, and cooking remove major portions of the pesticide residues that are currently permitted on the raw agricultural crop. These unit operations are reviewed for selected products, along with degree of residue removal at each step. For example, washing plus peeling removes 99% of carbaryl and malathion residues from tomatoes. Washing removes 83% of benomyl residue from tomatoes and further processing reduces the residue by 98% in tomato puree and catsup. Even in the most concentrated fraction from tomatoes (tomato paste), residues were below the initial level in the raw product.

Food Contamination↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Detection of adulteration in apple juice by L-malic/total malic acid ratio: collaborative study.

L-Malic acid is the predominate acid in pure apple juice and no D-malic acid should be present. Synthetic malic acid contains 50% D-malic acid, is inexpensive, and can be used to create nonauthentic apple juice. L-Malic/total malic ratios of 0.9 or less are indicative of a nonauthentic sample. Fourteen laboratories participated in a collaborative study to determine the L-malic/total malic acid ratio in apple juice. Ten samples of apple juice were sent to each laboratory. Authenticity of the samples varied from 0 to 100%. The coefficients of variation in all cases were acceptable, i.e., ca 5%. The method was adopted first action by AOAC INTERNATIONAL.

Beverages↗